SCO U T I N G AT M M A
Scouts BSA Troop 1889
MMA Nurtures New Scouting Troop “Be Prepared.” The famed Scouting motto has helped countless young men navigate their way through life. “Scouting complements the life of a cadet,” says Richard Dehlinger ’93, Missouri Military Academy deputy commandant of activities and support. “Most of our core values are the same as those taught in the Scouting program.” The Academy has reinstated Scouts BSA after a long hiatus. Troop 1889 formed last year with 10 cadets. Membership has grown to 35 this year but there is always room for more Scouts in the troop, says Dehlinger, who also serves as scoutmaster. “All a cadet needs to do to join is come to a meeting on any given Thursday night in the Cadet Canteen,” he says. “Or, they can meet with me anytime to
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The Eagle
express interest and I will walk them through the necessary paperwork to sign up.” Formerly known as Boy Scouts of America, Scouts BSA is the traditional Scouting experience for youth in fifth grade through high school. Training focuses on responsible citizenship, character development and self-reliance through outdoor adventures, educational activities and career-oriented programs. Scouts BSA is open to young cadets whether experienced or not, all of whom will have the chance to earn Scouting’s highest rank, Eagle Scout. For those cadets who have been in Scouts before or currently belong to a unit, MMA can help them get back on track and pick up right where they left off. Troop 1889 is active during the school year when MMA students are on campus. Thursday meetings include older scouts helping new scouts get
qualified in the ranks of Scouting while the older cadets work on the material they need to obtain merit badges, Dehlinger says. “We do encourage the cadets to get involved in activities offered around campus such as weekend outings, including trips to museums, ball games, camping trips — and so much more.” Scouts are expected to maintain a higher standard in academics and discipline, Dehlinger notes. “With these higher standards will come awards that can be worn on MMA uniforms and rank promotions within the corps of cadets,” he adds. “Scouting is a prime example of ‘you get out of it what you put into it,’ ” Dehlinger says. “Some of our cadets joined Scouts to be a part of something, and it gives them something to do. Other cadets joined because they want to earn Eagle Scout.”
